Building on the strong momentum of its successful Spectacular Saudi campaign, the Saudi Tourism Authority’s consumer-facing brand, ‘Saudi, Welcome to Arabia,’ curated an exclusive experiential showcase titled “Essence of Saudi” in Kolkata, Eastern India’s largest metropolitan city. The immersive event was hosted at Ozora, a rooftop restaurant at the city’s premier Acropolis Mall.
Designed as a multi-sensory introduction to Saudi, the showcase centred around a fragrance-led experience, using signature scents inspired by key Saudi cities and regions. Destinations including Riyadh, Jeddah and Taif, along with the UNESCO World Heritage Site of AlUla and the Saudi Red Sea, were represented through distinctive fragrance profiles that evoked their unique atmosphere, culture, and natural landscapes.
Riyadh was interpreted through Spice Woods, blending warm spices with earthy, musky and woody notes. Jeddah, the Kingdom’s vibrant coastal gateway, was captured in Citrus Elixir, featuring tangerine and bergamot accords. Taif, renowned for its roses and perfumery heritage, came alive through Regal Oudh (Taif)—a herbaceous oudh-forward scent layered with earthy woods, soft leather, smoky amber and subtle spice. AlUla, once a crossroads of ancient civilisations, was represented by Amber Patchouli, combining deep resinous amber with earthy patchouli, while the Saudi Red Sea unfolded through Ocean Breeze, a fresh, green, marine-inspired aquatic fragrance.
Together, the scents highlighted Saudi as a destination defined by pristine nature, cultural depth, and a forward-looking Vision 2030, rooted in sustainability and transformative tourism. The hands-on fragrance blending experience allowed participants to create bespoke scents while discovering Saudi’s heritage and evolving tourism narrative through its aromas.
The strong response from trade partners in the ‘City of Joy’ reflected growing interest in Saudi as a compelling destination for Indian travellers seeking bespoke luxury experiences and cultural richness. Strengthening connectivity further, Saudia and Air India have announced a codeshare agreement effective February 2026, enabling seamless connections to Saudi destinations via Delhi and Mumbai for travellers from Kolkata and other Indian cities.
India and Saudi Arabia are currently connected by six carriers—Saudia, Air India, Flynas, IndiGo, Air India Express and Akasa Air—with over 313 weekly flights, reinforcing Saudi’s appeal as a year-round destination.
Saudi continues to enhance its global tourism proposition with landmark attractions such as the New Year’s Eve opening of Six Flags Qiddiya City, featuring six themed lands and 28 rides, including record-breaking roller coasters like Falcons Flight, Iron Rattler, and Spitfire. Additionally, Riyadh Season, running through March 2026, further positions the Kingdom as a global entertainment hub, highlighted by major WWE events including SmackDown on January 30 and Royal Rumble 2026 on January 31, the first time the iconic event will be held outside North America.
